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How much does it cost to be a UCU member?

Future of the profession

Young workers need the union more than ever. As part of UCU's drive to support education workers at the start of their careers we are offering free membership to some further and higher staff. Find out more here.

UCU membership can cost from a little over £1 per month depending on your earnings. Most members can reduce their subscription by claiming income tax relief.

The subscription rates applicable from 1 September 2018 to 31 August 2019 are as set out below:

National subscriptions

Arising from the decisions of UCU's national congress and the National Executive Committee, the subscription rates for 2018/19 have now been agreed. Please see below a table showing the new rates taking effect on 1 September 2018. Subscription rates this year have not been increased by the same percentage across all bands, indeed the rates for the lower bands have been reduced. This is to implement the first step towards a more proportional and fairer system advocated by the NEC and approved by Congress. A review will be conducted during 2018-19, with wide consultation, in order to decide on future changes to rates and bands.

National UCU subscription rates for UCU members to 31 August 2019

Employment income band (excluding London Weighting)

Including political fund (per month)

Excluding political fund (per month)

£60,000 & above

£25.96

£25.71

£40,000 - £59,999

£23.11

£22.89

£30,000 - £39,999

£20.61

£20.41

£20,000 - £29,999

£18.32

£18.14

£10,000 - £19,999

£10.92

£10.82

£5,000 - £9,999

£4.81

£4.77

Below £5,000

£1.02

£1.01

Note: UCU operates a political fund which expressly does not contribute to any political party, but is used for campaigning and lobbying to promote the interests of UCU members. The contribution level is one percent of the national subscription rate. Members may opt in to the fund. If you choose not to contribute to the political fund you shall not be excluded from any benefits of the union or placed in any respect, either directly or indirectly, under a disability or at a disadvantage as compared to other members of the union.

Local subscriptions: some local associations and branches levy a small additional local sub for local branch use.

Joint union members

Joint union membership subscription rates for UCU members to 31 August 2019

Employment income band (excluding London Weighting)

Including political fund (per month)

Excluding political fund (per month)

£60,000 & above

£19.47

£19.28

£40,000 - £59,999

£17.33

£17.16

£30,000 - £39,999

£15.45

£15.30

£20,000 - £29,999

£13.74

£13.60

£10,000 - £19,999

£8.19

£8.11

£5,000 - £10,000

£3.60

£3.57

Below £5,000

£0.76

£0.75

Note: UCU operates a political fund which expressly does not contribute to any political party, but is used for campaigning and lobbying to promote the interests of UCU members. The contribution level is one percent of the national subscription rate. Members may opt in to the fund. If you choose not to contribute to the political fund you shall not be excluded from any benefits of the union or placed in any respect, either directly or indirectly, under a disability or at a disadvantage as compared to other members of the union.

Or join over the phone: 0333 207 0719*

*Lines open 9.15am-4.45pm Mon-Fri. Calls are charged at standard rates; if you have inclusive call minutes or an allowance calls to this number are usually included (please check with your provider).

Retired/attached members

The rate for 1 September 2018 to 31 August 2019 for retired and attached members is £2.80 per month (£2.78 excluding the political fund). Attached unemployed members seeking employment pay nothing (for one year from date of becoming an attached member).

Related pages

*FREE* membership for enrolled postgraduate students contracted to teach in UK HE, and FE staff not on lecturing contracts but part of the teaching and assessing team such as instructor, assessor, trainer, teaching assistant, coach.